About

A compact, spreading evergreen shrub with mid-green, lance shaped leaves with cream edges. Leaves flushed with darker red in the autumn and winter. Sprays of small white, bell-shaped flowers in spring.

About the genus

Leucothoe can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or panicles of small bell- or urn-shaped flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moisture retentive, fertile, neutral to acid soil, in shade or partial shade.
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings using bottom heat.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility